Verdict Destination Amsterdam Athens Barcelona Berlin Boston Chicago Dublin Dubrovnik Florence Lisbon London Los Angeles Madrid Miami New York Nice Paris Prague Rome San Francisco Santorini Tokyo Venice Washington DC Destinations Sign in 🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade → The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Travellers on a budget If you've only got a day Families with kids Couples Solo travellers Photographers Romantics
History & culture buffs Anyone here to unwind Worth it for travellers on a budget, if you've only got a day and families with kids.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes The marble terrace out front delivers one of Paris's great free city views, with a direct sightline to the Eiffel Tower.
parispass.com Climb the 300-step dome and at about €8 it's the most affordable 360° panorama in the whole city.
22places.com The staircase is the city's hotspot for the 'string men' who tie a 'free' friendship bracelet on your wrist, then demand payment while an accomplice picks your pocket.
corporatetravelsafety.com It's 222 steps from the Métro to the forecourt (300 more for the dome, no lift) — take the funicular on a standard Métro ticket if your legs object.
takeourtours.com What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller On a budget
The church and the terrace view cost nothing, and the dome is the cheapest big panorama in Paris at roughly €8.
For photos
The dome gives an unobstructed 360° of the Paris rooftops; the funicular gets you up fast so you can shoot at golden hour.
With kids
Skip the staircase scammers by riding the one-and-a-half-minute funicular on a normal Métro ticket.
First-timers
Keep bags zipped and ignore anyone reaching for your wrist on the steps — the bracelet hustle is relentless here.
“be very careful of the thieves and pickpockets who work this area very successfully.”
tripadvisor.com What people say
Straight from the reviews “Entry to the church is completely free — and the view of Paris from the hill is seriously breathtaking.”
22places.com “Scammers ask you to extend your arm and give you a "free" string bracelet in the spirit of friendship.”
corporatetravelsafety.com Good to know
Before you go
Best time Golden hour for the view; the basilica is free and open daily.
Getting there Métro Anvers or Abbesses, then the funicular (222 steps otherwise) on a standard t+ ticket.
Booking Basilica free; dome climb ~€8, 300 steps, no lift.
Accessibility No lift to the dome; the funicular avoids the staircase to the forecourt. Alternatives
If it's not your thing, try Was this helpful? 👍 Yes 👎 No Add a tip
Make the most of it
Book through our partner — we may earn a commission, and it never changes the verdict.
Check availability → 🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →